Internal combustion engine fluid-metering valve assembly

ABSTRACT

A fluid-metering valve assembly for use in a coolant regulator of an internal combustion engine cooling system may include a main body and a metering member. The main body is configured to be rotatably secured within an internal chamber of the coolant regulator. A fluid passage is formed through the main body, and is defined, at least in part, by a metering edge of the main body. The metering member is formed proximate to the metering edge of the main body, and is configured to allow variable doses of fluid to be metered into or out of the coolant regulator as the main body is rotated within the coolant regulator. The metering member includes one or more linear features formed into the main body.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Phase of PCT/US2014/015546 filed Feb. 10,2014 and relates to and claims priority benefits from U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/766,406 filed Feb. 19, 2013, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a coolingsystem for an internal combustion engine, and, more particularly, to afluid-metering valve assembly configured for use in a cooling system ofan internal combustion engine.

BACKGROUND

A typical internal combustion engine includes a main cooling circuitconfigured to allow coolant, such as water, to flow through a radiator.A bypass conduit opens during a start phase of the engine and allows thecoolant to circulate through the bypass conduit. In general, athermostatic valve system controls the flow of coolant. At least onevalve is driven by a thermally expansive member and fit with a bypassvalve. The valves are connected to each other such that, at a predefinedlower temperature, the thermostatic valve is closed and the bypass valveis open. As the temperature increases, the thermostatic valve opens, andthe bypass valve gradually closes. WO2010/061343, entitled “A CoolingSystem For A Combustion Engine,” which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety, provides further details of a cooling system.

Certain valves may include a metering feature that allows smalleramounts of fluid to be metered therethrough. However, many of themetering features are sized and shaped so as to allow too much fluid topass therethrough. In short, the metering features may be too large toallow for smaller or finer-tuned amounts of fluid to pass therethrough.Further, known metering features may be formed with complex shapes andboundaries, which may add time and cost to manufacturing.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a fluid-meteringvalve assembly configured for use in a coolant regulator of an internalcombustion engine cooling system. The assembly may include a main bodyconfigured to be rotatably secured within an internal chamber of thecoolant regulator. A fluid passage may be formed through the main body.The fluid passage may be defined, at least in part, by a metering edgeof the main body. The assembly may also include a metering member formedproximate to the metering edge of the main body. The metering member isconfigured to allow variable doses of fluid to be metered into or out ofthe coolant regulator as the main body is rotated within the coolantregulator. The metering member may include one or more linear featuresformed into the main body (in contrast to complex features that areformed through complex cutting operations, for example). In at least oneembodiment, the metering member is formed at the metering edge. In atleast one other embodiment, the metering member is offset from themetering edge.

The metering member may include a fluid inlet connected to aconstricting fluid outlet. The fluid inlet may include a fluid inletopening defined between linear side walls and a perpendicular base. Thelinear side walls may connect to linear barrier inlet walls that areparallel to the metering edge. The linear barrier inlet walls mayconnect to linear angled outlet walls of the constricting fluid outlet.The linear angled outlet walls may converge toward a linear barrieroutlet wall that is parallel with the metering edge. The metering membermay be T-shaped.

In at least one embodiment, the metering member slopes from a fluidinlet to a fluid outlet. A first depth of the metering member at thefluid inlet may be greater than a second depth of the metering member atthe fluid outlet.

In at least one embodiment, the metering member may include angled sidewalls that converge at a fluid outlet apex. The metering member may forma semi-funnel.

In at least one embodiment, the metering member may include a fluidinlet that connects to a fluid outlet having the same width as the fluidinlet.

The metering edge may be curved. At least one wall portion of themetering member may be parallel to the curved metering edge.

The metering member may include only the one or more linear featuresformed into the main body. The linear features may be simple, geometricshapes that are easily formed through stamping, indentation, and thelike.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide an internalcombustion engine cooling system that may include a coolant regulatorhaving an internal chamber, an actuator, and a fluid-metering valveassembly rotatably secured within the internal chamber and operativelyconnected to the actuator. The actuator is configured to rotate thefluid metering valve assembly within the internal chamber. Thefluid-metering valve assembly may include a main body rotatably securedwithin the internal chamber and having a drive shaft operativelyconnected to the actuator. A fluid passage is formed through the mainbody. The fluid passage is defined, at least in part, by a metering edgeof the main body. The fluid-metering valve assembly may also include ametering member formed proximate to the metering edge of the main body.The metering member is configured to allow variable doses of fluid to bemetered into or out of the coolant regulator as the main body is rotatedwithin the coolant regulator. The metering member may include one ormore linear features formed into the main body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an internal combustion enginecooling system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective internal view of a coolant regulator,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top internal view of a coolant regulator in which afluid-metering valve assembly is in a rotated position, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a lateral view of a fluid-metering valve assembly,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of a metering member formed at ametering edge of a fluid-metering valve assembly, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a fluid-metering valveassembly through line 6-6 of FIG. 4, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a lateral view of a fluid-metering valve assembly,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of a metering member formed at ametering edge of a fluid-metering valve assembly, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom view of a fluid-metering valve assembly in aclosed position with respect to a sealing member, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a bottom view of a fluid-metering valve assembly ina metering open position, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a fluid-metering valveassembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates a front view of a metering member formed at ametering edge of a fluid-metering valve assembly, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a fluid-metering valveassembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 illustrates a front view of a metering member formed at ametering edge of a fluid-metering valve assembly, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of a fluid-metering valveassembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Before the embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its applicationto the details of construction and the arrangement of the components setforth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Thedisclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orbeing carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant toencompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well asadditional items and equivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide fluid-metering valveassemblies configured to provide increased temperature control of aninternal combustion engine cooling system. Embodiments of the presentdisclosure provide fluid-metering valve assemblies configured to allowsmall, fine-tuned doses of cold coolant to be metered into the coolingsystem through small rotations of the assembly.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an internal combustion enginecooling system 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.The system 1 includes an internal combustion engine 10 that isoperatively connected to a coolant pump 12, such as a water pump. Acooling circuit 13 includes a radiator 14, which is in fluidcommunication with a coolant regulator 16. A regulating element, such asa fluid-metering valve assembly 17, is rotatably secured within thecoolant regulator 16, and may be actuated by a drive, such as a wormdrive or the like. An engine control 18 operatively controls the drive.The engine control 18 detects particular engine states, temperatureswithin the system, and the like. The cooling circuit 13 may be shuntedby a bypass 20, which is also in fluid communication with the coolantregulator 16. The coolant initially circulates by way of the coolantregulator 16 through the bypass 20 so that the internal combustionengine 10 reaches operational temperature as soon as possible. Thebypass 20 is blocked only after the coolant reaches a predefinedtemperature.

The coolant regulator 16 is configured to completely interrupt the flowof coolant. The interruption may be carried out in a cold start phase sothat the internal combustion engine 10 may be heated relatively quickly.If, however, the cold start phase does not take place, the internalcombustion engine 10 may overheat. To avoid overheating, a subsidiarybranch 22 is configured to shunt coolant away from the coolant regulator16.

The fluid-metering valve assembly 17 within the coolant regulator 16 mayinclude a ball or spherical-shaped main body that is actuated by adirect current motor, for example. The main body may include one or morechannels or openings that are configured to be rotated into and out ofalignment with conduits, in order to selectively prevent and allow fluidto flow therethrough. As such, the main body is configured toselectively open and close various flow paths at certain angles ofrotation.

During operation of the internal combustion engine 10, the flow path ofthe radiator 14 is opened to allow for cold coolant flow from theradiator 14 into the hot coolant flow path. As such, the hot and coldcoolant mix, thereby allowing the temperature of the system to becontrolled.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective internal view of a coolant regulator100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The coolantregulator 100 includes a housing 102 defining internal chambers 104 and106. The internal chamber 104 is in communication with a fluid inletconduit 108 and a fluid outlet conduit 110. Similarly, the internalchamber 106 is in communication with a fluid inlet conduit 112 and afluid outlet conduit 114. Alternatively, the fluid inlet conduits 108,112 and the fluid outlet conduits 110 and 114 may be reversed, such thatthe conduits 108 and 112 are fluid outlet conduits, and the conduits 110and 114 are fluid inlet conduits. Additionally, the coolant regulator100 may include more or less internal chambers 104 and 106 than shown.For example, the coolant regulator 100 may include only a singleinternal chamber, or may include three or more internal chambers thatare in fluid communication with fluid inlet and outlet conduits.

A fluid-metering valve assembly 116 may be rotatably secured within theinternal chamber 104. The fluid metering valve assembly 116 includes asemi-spherical or ball shaped main body 118 configured to be rotatablysecured within a reciprocally-shaped area of the internal chamber 104.The main body 118 includes an axial drive shaft 120 extending from anaxial center at one or both ends 122 and 124. The main body 118 alsoincludes an outer circumferential wall 126 that may connect to the driveshafts 120 through radial beams 128, such as spokes, that may connect tothe drive shafts 120 or hubs surrounding the drive shafts 120.

Sealing members 130 and 132, such as gaskets, annular disks, or thelike, are positioned at the union of the internal chamber 104 and thefluid conduit 108 and the fluid conduit 110, respectively. The outercircumferential wall 126 of the fluid-metering valve assembly 116 seatsagainst both sealing members 130. As shown in FIG. 2, one or morechannels 140 are formed through the outer circumferential wall 126. Whena channel 140 is positioned in alignment within an opening 142 in thesealing member 130, for example, fluid may pass from the fluid inletconduit 108, through the channel 140, and into the internal chamber 104.When the channel 140 is positioned out of alignment with the opening 142such that only a solid wall portion of the outer circumferential wall126 abuts into the sealing member 130, fluid is prevented from passinginto the internal chamber 104.

The drive shaft 120 is operatively connected to an actuator 150, such asa direct current motor. The actuator 150 is configured to rotate thedrive shaft 120, and therefore the entire fluid-metering valve assembly116 between open and closed positions. In the open position, fluidpasses through the channel 140 into the internal chamber 104. In theclosed position, fluid is prevented from passing into the internalchamber 104.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top internal view of a coolant regulator 100 inwhich the fluid-metering valve assembly 116 is in a rotated openposition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shownin FIG. 3, the actuator 150 has rotated the fluid-metering valveassembly 116 so that a channel 140 formed through the outercircumferential wall 126 is at least partially aligned with an opening160 formed through the sealing member 132. As such, fluid may pass fromthe internal chamber 104 into the fluid conduit 110 (shown in FIG. 1),or vice versa, through the opening 160.

FIG. 4 illustrates a lateral view of a fluid-metering valve assembly200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Thefluid-metering valve assembly 200 is configured to be rotatably securedwithin a coolant regulator, such as described above. The fluid-meteringvalve assembly 200 may be formed of plastic, metal, or the like. In atleast one embodiment, the fluid-metering valve assembly 200 may beintegrally molded and formed as a single piece of material.

The fluid-metering valve assembly 200 includes a main body 202 includinga first circumferential wall 204 connected to a second circumferentialwall 206. Each circumferential wall 204 and 206 may include solid wallportions that may be formed having an outer curvature that may besemi-spherical or semi-ball shaped. While two circumferential walls 204and 206 are shown, the fluid-metering valve assembly 200 mayalternatively include only a single circumferential wall 204. Also,alternatively, the fluid-metering valve assembly 200 may include morethan the two circumferential walls 204 and 206.

The circumferential walls 204 and 206 may be joined at a seam 208. Eachcircumferential wall 204 and 206 may be configured to be rotatablysecured within a respective internal chamber of a coolant regulator, forexample.

The circumferential wall 204 may connect to a drive shaft 210 throughradial beams or extension portions (hidden from view in FIG. 4). Thecircumferential wall 206 may be similarly connected to a drive shaft.

A fluid passage channel 212 is formed through the circumferential wall204. The circumferential wall 204 includes internal circumferential edgeportions 214 that connect to a perpendicular metering edge 216. Thefluid passage channel 212 is defined by the internal circumferentialedge portions 214 and the metering edge 216.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of a metering member 220 formed at themetering edge 216 of the fluid-metering valve assembly 200, according toan embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, themetering member 220 may be a recessed are formed within thecircumferential wall 204 that is centered with respect to the meteringedge 216. As such, the metering member 220 may not include an opening,channel, or perforation that passes entirely through or perforates themetering edge 216. Instead, the metering member 220 may be formedthrough a stamping or indentation process that provides a reducedthickness or recessed area at or proximate to the metering edge 216.

The metering member 220 includes a fluid inlet 222 connected to aconstricting fluid outlet 224. The fluid inlet 222 may include a fluidinlet opening 225 defined between linear inlet side walls 226 and aperpendicular base 228. The inlet side walls 226 connect to linearbarrier inlet walls 230 that may be parallel with the metering edge 216.The barrier inlet walls 230, in turn, connect to linear angled outletwalls 232 of the constricting fluid outlet 224. The angled outlet walls232 may be parallel with the inlet side walls 226 of the fluid inlet222. While shown as angled, both the angled outlet walls 232 and theinlet side walls 226 may alternatively be perpendicular to the barrierinlet walls 230.

The linear angled outlet walls 232 of the constricting fluid outlet 224,in turn, converge toward one another and connect to a linear barrieroutlet wall 234 that may be parallel with the barrier inlet walls 230.As such, the metering member 220 may resemble a T-shape, havingstraight, linear wall portions around the perpendicular base 228. Theperpendicular base 228 may slope up from the metering edge 216 towardthe linear barrier outlet wall 234. Alternatively, instead of connectingto the linear barrier outlet wall 234, the linear angled outlet walls232 may converge together at an apex or point.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fluid-metering valveassembly 200 through line 6-6 of FIG. 4, according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure. As shown, the fluid inlet 222 includes a deepopening 260 with respect to the base 228. However, the base 228 slopesupward toward the barrier outlet wall 234. As such, the height 262 ofthe metering member 220 proximate to the barrier outlet wall 234 may beless than the height 264 proximate to the opening 260. The base 228 maygradually and progressively slope upwardly from the fluid inlet 222 tothe barrier outlet wall 234. The slope may be constant from the fluidinlet 222 to the barrier outlet wall 234. The gradual slope of the base228 allows for increased fluid flow as the metering member 220 isrotated into alignment with a fluid passage. For example, if only thebarrier outlet wall 234 is in fluid communication with the fluidpassage, only a small portion of fluid may pass into the fluid passage,as the metering member 220 is shallow (and thin, in terms of width)proximate to the barrier outlet wall 234. However, when the fluid inlet222 is aligned with the fluid passage, a greater volume of fluid maypass into the fluid passage due to the deep (and wide) nature of themetering member 220 proximate to the fluid inlet 222.

Optionally, the base 228 within the fluid inlet 222 may be or include arelatively flat, non-sloped portion, and the base 228 may slope upwardlywithin the constricting fluid outlet 224. Alternatively, the base 228may not slope, but may instead have a uniform height throughout themetering member 220.

As shown, the metering member 220 may be formed as an indentation in anouter surface of the fluid-metering valve assembly 200. Each portion ofthe metering member 220 may be cut into an outer surface of thefluid-metering valve assembly 200 and/or tapered, beveled, or otherwiseangled to provide increased fluid control.

It is to be understood that when the constricting fluid outlet 224 is influid communication with an opening in a sealing member of a coolantregulator, for example, but the fluid inlet 222 is not in fluidcommunication therewith, fluid may enter the fluid inlet 222, passthrough the metering member 220 and be metered out of the constrictingfluid outlet 224 into the opening of the sealing member. However, whenthe fluid inlet 222 is in fluid communication with the opening, fluidpasses into the metering member 220 through the fluid inlet 222 andpasses out into the opening through the fluid inlet 222.

While the metering member 220 is described with respect to thecircumferential wall 204, it is to be understood that thecircumferential wall 206 may also include a metering member.Alternatively, the circumferential wall 206 may not include a meteringmember. Further, as described above, the fluid-metering valve assembly200 may include only one circumferential wall 204 having the meteringmember 220 formed therethrough. Alternatively, the fluid-metering valveassembly 200 may include more than two circumferential walls, each ofwhich may or may not include a metering member.

FIG. 7 illustrates a lateral view of a fluid-metering valve assembly300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8illustrates a front view of a metering member 302 formed at a meteringedge 304 of the fluid-metering valve assembly 300. Referring to FIGS. 7and 8, the fluid-metering valve assembly 300 is similar to thefluid-metering assembly 200, except that the metering member 302 isdefined by straight, linear side walls 306 that converge at a fluidoutlet apex 308. As such, the metering member 302 may have a V-shape.Each side wall 306 may be set at an angle θ with respect to the meteringedge 304. The angle θ may be between 30°-45°, for example.Alternatively, the angle θ may be greater or less than 30°-45°. Themetering member 302 is defined between the side walls 306 and a base310. The base 310 may slope upwardly from a fluid inlet 312 to the fluidoutlet apex 308, similar to as described above. As such, the meteringmember 302 may form a semi-funnel in which the fluid inlet 312 has aheight and radius that exceeds those of the fluid outlet apex 308.Alternatively, the base 310 may have a uniform height and radiusthroughout.

FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom view of the fluid-metering valve assembly300 in a closed position with respect to a sealing member 400, accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure. The sealing member 400 maybe an example of a sealing member as described above with respect toFIG. 2. The sealing member 400 includes an outer sealing ring 402 thatextends about an opening 404. As shown in FIG. 9, in the closedposition, the metering member 302 is not in communication with theopening 404. As such, fluid may not pass from the metering member 302into the opening 404. In order to meter fluid from the metering member302 into the opening 404, the fluid-metering valve assembly 300 isrotated with respect to the sealing member 400 in the direction of arcA.

FIG. 10 illustrates a bottom view of the fluid-metering valve assembly300 in a metering open position, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure. As shown, the metering member 302 is in full fluidcommunication with the opening 404. As the fluid-metering valve assembly300 is rotated from the closed position to the metering open position,greater portions of the metering member 302 fluidly communicate with theopening 404. As greater portions of the metering member 302 fluidlycommunicate with the opening 404, greater amounts of fluid pass throughthe metering member 302 into the opening 404. For example, when only theconstricted fluid outlet apex 308 is in fluid communication with theopening 404, a small, metered amount of fluid passes into the opening404. If increased flow is desired, the fluid-metering valve assembly 300is rotated in the direction of arc A (shown in FIG. 9) so that greaterportions of the metering member 302 fluidly communicate with the opening404.

In order to provide maximum metered flow, the fluid-metering valveassembly 300 is rotated such that the fluid inlet 312 of the meteringmember 302 is in fluid communication with the opening 404. Therefore,minimum or otherwise reduced metered flow is achieved when the fluidoutlet apex 308, or constricted end, of the metering member 302 is influid communication with the opening 404; while maximum metered flow isachieved when the fluid inlet 312, or fluid-receiving mouth, is in fluidcommunication with the opening 404. The fluid-metering valve assembly300 may be rotated between the minimum and maximum flow positions inorder to fine tune metered flow with respect to the opening 404.

The fluid-metering valve assembly 300 may continue to be rotated in thedirection of arc A (shown in FIG. 9) so that a fluid passage channel 370is in fluid communication with the opening 404. When the fluid passagechannel 370 is in fluid communication with the opening 404, the flow offluid may be unrestricted (as opposed to metered flow, when onlyportions of the metering member 302 are in communication with theopening 404).

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a fluid-metering valveassembly 500, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG.12 illustrates a front view of a metering member 502 formed at ametering edge 504 of the fluid-metering valve assembly 500. Referring toFIGS. 11 and 12, the fluid-metering valve assembly 500 is similar tothose described above, except that the metering member 502 includes afluid inlet 503 that connects to a fluid outlet 505 that is generallythe same width as the inlet 502. Linear side walls 506 connect to a rearwall 508. The side walls 506 may be perpendicular to the rear wall 508.The metering member 502 may be defined between the side walls 506, therear wall 508, and a base 510, as described above. As such, the meteringmember 502 may resemble a rectangular shape. Alternatively, the meteringmember 502 may not include the base 510, but may instead include achannel or perforation formed through the metering edge 504.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a fluid-metering valveassembly 600, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG.14 illustrates a front view of a metering member 602 formed at ametering edge 604 of the fluid-metering valve assembly 600. Referring toFIGS. 13 and 14, the fluid-metering valve assembly 600 is similar to thefluid-metering valve assembly 500, except that the metering edge 604 maybe curved and arcuate, and a rear wall 608 of the metering member 602may be parallel to the metering edge 604. With increased rotationtowards an open metering position, greater portions of the curved rearwall 608 align with a fluid opening or passage, thereby allowing greatervolumes of fluid to pass into the fluid opening or passage.

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of a fluid-metering valveassembly 700, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Thefluid-metering valve assembly 700 includes a metering member 702 that isoffset, such as being set below, a metering edge 704. As such, themetering member 702 may be formed through a circumferential wall 706,and may not connect to an edge defining a fluid passage channel 708. Asshown in FIG. 15, the metering member 702 may be a square-shaped holeformed through the circumferential wall 706 proximate, but notconnecting, to the metering edge 704. Alternatively, the metering member702 may be various other shapes, such as triangular, or any of theshapes described above, for example.

Referring to FIGS. 1-15, embodiments of the present disclosure providefluid-metering valve assemblies configured to provide increasedtemperature control of internal combustion engine cooling systems.Embodiments of the present disclosure provide valves assemblies thatallow small doses of cold coolant to be metered into the system throughrotations of the assemblies.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide metering members, such asrecesses, divots, geometric features, or the like, that allow for acalculated volume of fluid to be introduced to a thermal control systemto avoid large volumes of fluid being introduced therein.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide metering members that aresmaller and simpler than known designs. Embodiments of the presentdisclosure provide metering members that may include straight or lineargeometric features that are generally easier to form and manufacturethan complex, curved cuts and the like.

While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower,mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the like may be used todescribe embodiments of the present disclosure, it is understood thatsuch terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in thedrawings. The orientations may be inverted, rotated, or otherwisechanged, such that an upper portion is a lower portion, and vice versa,horizontal becomes vertical, and the like.

Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope ofthe present disclosure. It is understood that the embodiments disclosedand defined herein extend to all alternative combinations of two or moreof the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/ordrawings. All of these different combinations constitute variousalternative aspects of the present disclosure. The embodiments describedherein explain the best modes known for practicing the disclosure andwill enable others skilled in the art to utilize the disclosure. Theclaims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to theextent permitted by the prior art.

To the extent used in the appended claims, the terms “including” and “inwhich” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms“comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, to the extent used in thefollowing claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. areused merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numericalrequirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the followingclaims are not written in means-plus-function format and are notintended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph,unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “meansfor” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.

Various features of the disclosure are set forth in the followingclaims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A fluid-metering valve assembly configuredfor use in a coolant regulator of an internal combustion engine coolingsystem, the fluid-metering valve assembly comprising: a main bodyconfigured to be rotatably secured within an internal chamber of thecoolant regulator, wherein a fluid passage is formed through the mainbody, wherein the fluid passage is defined, at least in part, by ametering edge of the main body; and a metering member formed at themetering edge of the main body, wherein the metering member does notpass entirely through the metering edge, wherein the metering member isconfigured to allow variable doses of fluid to be metered into or out ofthe coolant regulator as the main body is rotated within the coolantregulator, and wherein the metering member includes one or more linearfeatures formed into the main body.
 2. The fluid-metering valve assemblyof claim 1, wherein the metering member includes a fluid inlet connectedto a constricting fluid outlet, wherein the fluid inlet includes a fluidinlet opening defined between linear side walls and a perpendicularbase, wherein the linear side walls connect to linear barrier inletwalls that are parallel to the metering edge, and wherein the linearbarrier inlet walls connect to linear angled outlet walls of theconstricting fluid outlet.
 3. The fluid-metering valve assembly of claim2, wherein the linear angled outlet walls converge toward a linearbarrier outlet wall that is parallel with the metering edge.
 4. Thefluid-metering valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the metering member isT-shaped.
 5. The fluid-metering valve assembly of claim 1, wherein themetering member slopes from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet, wherein afirst depth of the metering member at the fluid inlet is greater than asecond depth of the metering member at the fluid outlet.
 6. Thefluid-metering valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the metering membercomprises angled side walls that converge at a fluid outlet apex, andwherein the metering member forms a semi-funnel.
 7. The fluid-meteringvalve assembly of claim 1, wherein the metering member includes a fluidinlet that connects to a fluid outlet having the same width as the fluidinlet.
 8. The fluid-metering valve assembly of claim 1, wherein themetering edge is curved, and wherein at least one wall portion of themetering member is parallel to the curved metering edge.
 9. Thefluid-metering valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the metering memberincludes only one or more linear features formed on an outer surface andinto the main body.
 10. An internal combustion engine cooling system,comprising: a coolant regulator having an internal chamber; an actuator;and a fluid-metering valve assembly rotatably secured within theinternal chamber and operatively connected to the actuator, wherein theactuator is configured to rotate the fluid metering valve assemblywithin the internal chamber, the fluid-metering valve assemblycomprising: a main body rotatably secured within the internal chamberand having a drive shaft operatively connected to the actuator, whereina fluid passage is formed through the main body, wherein the fluidpassage is defined, at least in part, by a metering edge of the mainbody; and a metering member formed at the metering edge of the mainbody, wherein the metering member does not pass entirely through themetering edge, wherein the metering member is configured to allowvariable doses of fluid to be metered into or out of the coolantregulator as the main body is rotated within the coolant regulator, andwherein the metering member includes one or more linear features formedinto the main body.
 11. The internal combustion engine cooling system ofclaim 10, wherein the metering member includes a fluid inlet connectedto a constricting fluid outlet, wherein the fluid inlet includes a fluidinlet opening defined between linear side walls and a perpendicularbase, wherein the linear side walls connect to linear barrier inletwalls that are parallel to the metering edge, wherein the linear barrierinlet walls connect to linear angled outlet walls of the constrictingfluid outlet, and wherein the linear angled outlet walls converge towarda linear barrier outlet wall that is parallel with the metering edge.12. The internal combustion engine cooling system of claim 10, whereinthe metering member slopes from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet, whereina first depth of the metering member at the fluid inlet is greater thana second depth of the metering member at the fluid outlet.
 13. Theinternal combustion engine cooling system of claim 10, wherein themetering member comprises angled side walls that converge at a fluidoutlet apex, and wherein the metering member forms a semi-funnel. 14.The internal combustion engine cooling system of claim 10, wherein themetering member includes a fluid inlet that connects to a fluid outlethaving the same width as the fluid inlet.
 15. The internal combustionengine cooling system of claim 10, wherein the metering edge is curved,and wherein at least one wall portion of the metering member is parallelto the curved metering edge.
 16. The internal combustion engine coolingsystem of claim 10, wherein the metering member includes only one ormore linear features formed on an outer surface and into the main body.